Philip Astley

Philip Astley (January 8, 1742 – January 27, 1814) was an English equestrian, circus owner, and inventor, regarded as being the “father of the modern circus”.

The circus industry, as a presenter of an integrated entertainment experience that includes music, domesticated animals, acrobats, and clowns, traces its heritage to Astley’s Amphitheatre, a riding school that Astley founded in London following the success of his invention of the circus ring in 1768.